- Motorhome
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A motorhome is a type of self-propelled recreational vehicle or RV which offers living accommodation combined with a vehicle engine. The term motorhome is most commonly used in the UK, US, and Canada.
A coachbuilt Hymer motorhome
Contents
Features
A motorhome comprises sleeping accommodation for between 2 and 8 people. Each sleeping place is called a berth. Each berth is either fixed or converts from another part of the motorhome's interior. A kitchenette area will contain cooking equipment. The type of equipment included differs depending on the motorhome make and model, but generally a kitchenette has an oven, grill, hob and sink. More luxury models may also provide a microwave. A separate washroom will be housed in the motorhome. Each washroom will have a flushing cassette toilet, shower and basin. The cassette toilet sometimes swivels to provide extra room and can be accessed from outside the motorhome for easy emptying.[1] More recent motorhomes will have a separate shower cubicle.
A motorhome will also have a cab area with a driver and passenger seat. These seats often swivel to become part of the living space. A dinette area provides a table and seating space typically used for eating meals. A lounge may also be included, consisting of either a u-shaped sofa located in the rear of the motorhome or a side lounge.
Ambiguity with RV and campervan
Motorhomes can be easily confused with American RVs and campervans. Their term Recreational Vehicle also refers to trailers and other types of leisure vehicle which can be towed or driven.
Campervans are typically smaller than motorhomes and are constructed differently. Whilst campervans are focussed with mobility and low cost, motorhomes have more emphasis on comfort.[2] For example, campervans generally lack built-in toilets and showers, or a divide between the living compartment and the cab.[3] Volkswagen Westfalia Campers are typical campervans.
History
The motorhome dates back to the 1920s, although there were allegedly earlier homemade versions that predate this time. The Jennings company mounted a motorhome body onto a car chassis in 1938. Production was brought to a standstill in 1939, perhaps due to World War II. The war set back the progress of motorhome manufacturing, but it picked up again in the 1950s. The big names in the early days were Dormobile, Paralanian and Westfalia.[4]
Categories
Motorhomes can be roughly categorized into 3 categories:
- Alcove
Dethleffs Alcove MotorhomeAlcove motorhomes are also known as coachbuilt or C-class motorhomes. They usually provide a double berth over the driving cab. An alcove motorhome has a caravan-style body which is mounted onto a chassis. Ford and Fiat manufacture the majority of alcove motorhome chassis in Europe.
- Semi-integrated
A semi-integrated motorhome is also referred to as a low profile motorhome. They are built in the same way as an alcove motorhome, except no berths are provided over the cab area. As a result, the overall height of a semi-integrated motorhome is lower than an alcove motorhome. This type of motorhome usually has a fixed double bed in rear of the vehicle and is particularly popular with couples.
- Integrated
An integrated motorhome is also known as an A-class motorhome and often has a reputation for being the most luxurious and expensive vehicles. An integrated motorhome has a solid body with the driving area built into the standard living accommodation. An integrated motorhome will have a large and expensive front window which offers a good view of the road and surrounding landscape. Berths will convert from lounge or dinette areas, there is also usually a double bed which lowers over the driving area at the touch of a button.
Layouts
There are many different motorhome layouts available with each manufacturer offering a range of options.
Nexus RV 29v Viper triple slideout
2012-Thor-Motor-Coach-ACE-Floorplan-EVO29.1Other terms
The word motorhome is commonly used in the UK. On occasion, other synonyms are used, such as motor home and motor caravan.
In Germany, a motorhome is referred to as a "Wohnmobil". In France, a motorhome is called "camping-car". In Italy, the term "Camper" is used to mean motorhome. "Auto Caravana" or "Auto-Caravana" is used in Spain and Portugal. In Sweden, the term "Husbil" means motorhome.
See also
- List of recreational vehicle manufacturers
- List of most all recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealerships at www.MotorHome.com
Further reading
- Batten-Hill, David (2009). Motorhomes: The Complete Guide. Robert Hale Ltd Professional. ISBN 978-0709084051.
References
- ^ "Motorhome Glossary". Motorhome Group. http://www.motorhomegroup.com/hire/glossary.asp#C.
- ^ <"Campervans and motorhomes". Campervan Adventures. http://www.campervan-adventures.com/campervans/index.htm.
- ^ "What are the Differences Between a Campervan and a Motorhome?". Discovery Homes New Zealand. http://www.discovery-motorhomes.co.nz/differences.php.
- ^ "The History of Campers and Motorhomes". Classic-campers.co.uk. http://www.classic-campers.co.uk/id1.html. Retrieved 2010-12-09.
Categories:- Recreational vehicles
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